Pennsylvania State Laws and Requirements
Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Devices
Pennsylvania has a variety of penalties for DUI offenders, including financial and administrative penalties. First time offenders risk a 12-month license suspension as well as up to six months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Some offenders may be required to attend alcohol abuse treatment or alcohol highway safety school. Repeat offenders may be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed, from an approved provider. Ignition interlock devices, sometimes called car breathalyzers, are installed in the offender’s vehicle to prevent them from driving with alcohol in their system.
State Interlock Regulations
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Ignition Interlock Program in PA
Some drivers may lose their driving privileges following a DUI offense. Some are able to get their driving privileges back if they install an ignition interlock device approved by Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania offers an Occupational Limited License option in some cases. The limited license allows offenders who install an ignition interlock device to drive to approved locations like work, treatment, and school. ADS is an approved ignition interlock device provider in Pennsylvania.
What happens if I get a DWI in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has administrative and financial penalties for DUI offenses, including fines and license suspension.
1st Offense
- License suspended for 12 months
- 72 hours to 6 months of jail time
- Fine of $1,000 to $5,000
- Required attendance at alcohol highway safety school
- May be required to attend alcohol abuse treatment
- Interlock required to regain driving privileges
2nd Offense
- License suspended for 18 months
- 90 days to 5 years of jail time
- Fines of $1,500-$10,000
- Required attendance at alcohol highway safety school
- May be required to attend alcohol abuse treatment
- must have IID for one year
3rd Offense
- License suspended for 18 months
- 1-5 years of jail time
- Fines of $2,500 to $10,000
- May be required to attend alcohol abuse treatment
- Must install an ignition interlock PA approves for one year.
Pennsylvania typically applies suspensions to drivers with a BAC of more than .10 percent. These are the penalties for those offenders:
- BAC < .10 percent - with a BAC below .10 percent, the driver will not have their license suspended if they meet certain criteria. There is a 12 month suspension for repeat offenders, however.
- BAC equal or > .10 percent - First and second offenders will have their suspended for 12 months. Three-time offenders will receive an 18-month suspension.
- BAC > or equal to .16 percent - First offenders will receive a 12-month suspension, and repeat offenders will have their license suspended for 18 months.
What Happens if I Fail or Refuse to Take a Test?
Refusing the BAC test is not a way out of consequences. In Pennsylvania, drivers who refuse to take a breathalyzer may be arrested, and could incur other penalties like an increased length of their license suspension, as well as monetary fines.
Regaining Driving Privileges in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a limited license type called an Occupational Limited License (OLL). PA drivers who are convicted of a DUI can apply for an OLL. The license allows them to drive to certain locations like work, school, medical appointments, and treatment programs. To obtain an OLL, drivers must meet the following criteria:
- Must install an interlock device from an approved provider in Pennsylvania
- First-time offenders are required to serve 60 days of the suspension period before they can get an OLL
- Second-time offenders may apply for an OLL after serving 12 months of their suspension
- Complete any court-ordered treatment (or enroll if that is the criteria) and other traffic safety requirements
- Pay any fines required by the court
- Submit form DL-15 to the address on the form along with the required fee
ADS Interlock Devices in PA
To meet state requirements, any interlock that is installed following a DUI must be installed by a state-approved provider. ADS is an approved interlock provider in Pennsylvania, and technicians will provide proof of installation if it is required to obtain an OLL. ADS devices are easy to use and feature bilingual prompts.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
Also known as a car breathalyzer, an IID is a small device installed in your vehicle as a sobriety aid and drunk driving prevention method. When installed:
- An interlock will require the driver test their Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) using the device before they can start the vehicle. They must pass the test in order to start the car.
- To ensure continuous sobriety and prevent tampering, interlock devices will also request random retests during some trips.
How long is a PA interlock device required?
This is determined by statute and the specifics of the offense.
Cost of IIDs in PA
Offenders are responsible for the cost of leasing their own device. An interlock device will typically cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per day. PennDOT sends a notification 30 days prior to the date the driver will be eligible to have the device removed, so drivers can plan and schedule their removal appointment.
Installing Ignition Interlock Devices in PA
ADS has a vast partner network, with more than 4,500 locations nationwide. This should make it easy to find a convenient location near you. When you attend your appointment, make sure you:
- Have an up-to-date and valid state inspection sticker
- Have a Pennsylvania driver’s license number
- If the vehicle is not owned by the driver, they must share the name of registered owner of the vehicle they are having the device installed in